Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam fully supports the goal of achieving net-zero emissions in agriculture by 2050 and places great importance on ASEAN's strategy for carbon neutrality, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien told the 46th online meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF), held on October 24 under the chair of Myanmar.

Tien said that in 2024, ASEAN's cooperation in food, agriculture, and forestry has been implemented effectively, with significant results, contributing to food security, sustainable agriculture, and low emissions.

Vietnam is actively and responsibly participating in this process, contributing to the overall achievements, he affirmed.

The approval of ASEAN leaders’ statement on promoting sustainable agriculture at the recent 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos will help enhance collaboration among member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, partners and international organisations to further implement the bloc’s strategy on carbon neutrality. It will contribute to food security, sustainable agricultural development and low emissions in the region, and to increasing benefits for the people and protecting the environment, he stated.

The official called on the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, along with its national offices, partners, and international organisations, to take the lead in realising the strategy. Vietnam continues to support Malaysia's proposal to develop an ASEAN vision for agriculture by 2045, which is a priority economic task during Malaysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, he added.

The deputy minister expressed his confidence that ASEAN's cooperation in food security, agriculture, and forestry will create new momentum and opportunities for sustainable agriculture and low emissions, and ensure food security for the entire ASEAN region.

At the meeting, ASEAN countries emphasised the critical importance of enhancing cooperation, innovation, and resilience in the fields of food, agriculture, and forestry.

Delegates also agreed that countries can empower farmers, improve livelihoods in rural areas, and create a healthier and more sustainable food and agricultural system that supports both economic growth and environmental protection. They stressed the need to invest in innovative technologies and sustainable, eco-friendly land management.

Participants also approved the development of an Action Plan on Food Security in the ASEAN region for the 2026-2030 period, emphasizing the role of digitalisation in enhancing food security.

꧋ The 47th AMAF meeting will be held in the Philippines in 2025./.